In the aftermath of the tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday, February 15, political pressure is intensifying on Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The incident, which claimed the lives of at least 18 individuals, including 11 women and five children, occurred around 9 pm on two overcrowded platforms filled with passengers en route to the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj.
Opposition leaders have been vocal in their criticism of the government's handling of the situation. Congress leader and Member of Parliament Rahul Gandhi stated, "This incident once again highlights the failure of the railways and the insensitivity of the government. Considering the large number of devotees going to Prayagraj, better arrangements should have been made at the station."
Echoing this sentiment, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate demanded accountability, asserting that the Railways Minister should immediately resign, and if not, the government should dismiss him.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) also weighed in, emphasising systemic failures. "Urging people to participate through an unprecedented publicity blitzkrieg and then not making necessary arrangements is the reality behind this loss of lives,” the party’s X handle said.
Asaduddin Owaisi, president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen and Member of Parliament from Hyderabad, called for an independent investigation. He called for a two-fold investigation: “1. Appoint an independent, judicially-monitored SIT to investigate the tragedy 2. An independent inquiry into the systemic failures of the Indian Railways."
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi questioned the recurring nature of such incidents and the lack of accountability on the part of the government. She also spoke of how, in the immediate aftermath of each tragedy, critics of the government are told that they should not be criticising those responsible when the focus should be on rescue operations. “How many derailments, accidents, stampedes, lives lost, passenger fare raised, passengers having to travel in an inhuman way, will it take to become the right time for seeking accountability?" she asked.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress and offered condolences to the affected families. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the formation of a two-member committee to investigate the incident and determine its cause. He also confirmed that the situation is now under control and that special trains have been dispatched to manage the rush of passengers.
The massive influx of pilgrims had already raised safety concerns, especially after a similar tragedy at the festival site last month, in which at least 79 people died, according to a recent investigation by Newslaundry.